THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS- Acient Insights for Curent Bison Managment- THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this an open call for applications?

No. The notice explicitly describes a National Park Service (NPS) cooperative agreement action tied to an existing partnership, and it is not an open or competitive call for applications.

Who is the intended recipient for this funding?

Based on the notice narrative, the intended recipient is the University of North Dakota under an existing Master Cooperative Agreement (P16AC00011). The posting may show general eligibility language (for example, "Others"), but the described purpose is an administrative modification to an existing award.

What is the funding mechanism being used?

The funding instrument is a discretionary cooperative agreement through the Department of the Interior, National Park Service.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

It means NPS expects substantial involvement in the project rather than a hands-off pass-through of funds. NPS staff are described as active coordinators who will collaborate on research design and objectives, oversee assignments, facilitate access to park resources and materials, and support distribution of results to the scientific community and the public.

What is the project called, and what is its main goal?

The project is framed as "Ancient Insights for Current Bison Management." Its overarching goal is to strengthen modern bison management by learning how bison ecology changed over time across the Great Plains, including where bison lived, what they ate, and how habitat and ecological conditions shifted.

What is being modified or added under this notice?

The core change described is the addition of stable isotope analysis to complement an ongoing ancient DNA study of bison artifacts. The modification is described as an administrative change under the previously awarded master cooperative agreement.

Why add stable isotope analysis if ancient DNA work is already underway?

Ancient DNA can show how genetic diversity in bison herds changed over time, but interpreting those genetic shifts is stronger when paired with ecological evidence. Stable isotope data derived from bison teeth and bones can help reconstruct past diet and habitat conditions, adding context for DNA-based population history findings.

What kinds of samples are used for the stable isotope work?

The notice describes using isotopes preserved in bison teeth and bones to reconstruct diet composition and related ecological signals.

What types of isotopes and signals are emphasized?

The description emphasizes carbon isotope ratios as a way to infer diet composition, particularly the balance between warm-season and cool-season grasses. These signals can also serve as proxies for environmental and climatic conditions because warm- and cool-season grasses respond differently to temperature, precipitation, and other habitat factors.

How can stable isotopes inform bison management questions?

In practical terms, the stable isotope data can help infer past bison range use, habitat preferences, and possible migration patterns. That information provides ecological context for genetic findings and is intended to inform current bison management approaches.

Why is sampling coordination highlighted as important?

Both DNA and isotope methods require sampling that consumes part of an archaeological specimen. Because teeth and bones are finite, culturally and scientifically valuable materials, the project aims to coordinate sampling so the same specimens (and sampled portions) are used efficiently across both analyses. This reduces redundant damage and maximizes information gained per specimen.

What role do NPS staff play in the research component?

NPS staff, including the park biologist and the NPS regional archaeologist, are described as active coordinators who collaborate with the principal investigator on research design and objectives, oversee assignments, help provide access to park resources and materials, and support distribution of results.

Is public outreach part of the project deliverables?

Yes. Public outreach is described as a major deliverable alongside the technical research, with a focus on translating project findings into accessible bison conservation and stewardship messaging.

Which park is specifically mentioned in connection with outreach activities?

Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP) is specifically named as planning to bring in Student Conservation Association interns and as the setting for interpretive and education activities tied to the project.

What outreach products and activities are mentioned?

The notice describes several outreach activities, including: development of outreach products that translate research findings into bison conservation messaging; web-based podcasts focused on bison history and management in the Great Plains; bison conservation programs for park visitors; and classroom presentations at local and regional schools.

Who is expected to contribute subject matter expertise for interpretive content?

The park biologist, the NPS regional archaeologist, and university partners are expected to provide subject matter expertise to shape interpretive content for general audiences.

What is the broader public-purpose mission described for this work?

The notice frames the project as advancing science that informs conservation while also connecting results to public education and stewardship. The outreach is intended to make the science understandable and relevant to communities and park visitors and to build a sense of shared responsibility for resource stewardship.

What agency and program identifiers are associated with the opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under the Department of the Interior, National Park Service. The CFDA listing provided is 15.945.

What activity categories are associated with the opportunity?

The activity categories listed include education, employment/labor/training, environment, and natural resources, reflecting the combined research and interpretation scope.

What is the award ceiling and how many awards are expected?

The posting shows an award ceiling of $500,000 and indicates one expected award.

Why does the posting show a short window between the creation date and the closing date?

The notice dates to August 2016 and shows a short window between creation and the original closing date. That timing aligns with the narrative description that this is not intended as a competitive solicitation, but rather a continuation/modification of an established partnership.

Does the notice suggest this funding will support both research and education/outreach work?

Yes. The scope described includes technical research (ancient DNA and stable isotope analysis) and extensive education/outreach components (intern-developed products, podcasts, visitor programs, and school presentations).

How does the project connect bison conservation messaging to local history?

The outreach is described as connecting bison conservation themes to Theodore Roosevelt's experiences in the North Dakota Badlands, reinforcing the NPS mission, and highlighting links to ecosystem health.